Meaning
鄙 describes something or someone as vulgar, contemptible, or of low character. It can also mean to look down upon or despise. In classical and formal contexts, it's used as a humble self-reference meaning 'my humble/lowly...' when speaking modestly about oneself.
Usage
This is a formal, literary character rarely used alone in everyday speech. Modern speakers typically encounter it in fixed expressions like 鄙视 (to despise) or 卑鄙 (despicable). The self-deprecating usage appears mainly in classical texts or very formal writing.
Examples
- 01他用鄙视的眼光看着那些说谎的人。.He looked at those liars with contemptuous eyes.
- 02这种卑鄙的行为让所有人都感到愤怒。.This despicable behavior made everyone angry.
Common collocations
- 鄙视to despise
- 卑鄙despicable
- 鄙夷to disdain
- 鄙人I (humble)
Antonyms
Origin
The character combines 啚 (phonetic component) and 邑 (city radical), originally referring to remote border areas or countryside, which ancient Chinese considered less cultured than cities. This geographic meaning evolved into moral contempt.